The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-01-06

liberal display of numerous placards-
"DangerrS keep Away prevented
many from venturing in the direction of
the narrow stairway to the private Of
flce, save the cautious employees used to
threading narrow passages where death
lurked in single misstep.
The village bell had chimed the hour
of six. The ponderous wheels were still.
as Laurel, followed by her companion,
nimbly climbed the stairway
AT the end of narrow ledge, about
midway, stood a window, which from
its dusty panes commanded a view of
the steep rocky bank far down below,
over which the white-foamed water
dashed furiously.
Both stopped involuntarily to admire
the fine panorama which nature had
spread out before them.
Suppose" whispered Laurel archly,
Il was to fall from the window to the
rocks down below. Would you stretch
out vOur arms-"
"You we'll know my life would be
nothing without you. l would certain
ly stretch out my arms" he answered
promptly. suiting the action to the word,
and clasping his pretty companion as if
to prevent such a possibility.
Laurel Mayne laughed a pretty, bright,
laugh. that sounded strangely
through the silent, deserted mill, and
brought the bitterness of hope crushed
out to a lonely man sitting with his
head bent on his clasped hands below.
At that instant Laurel laughingly
freed herself from her companions EN-
brace. She had brought the message
too late. Her fathers partner had gone
home.
So the lovers retraced their steps leis
ureiy, not noticing that the golden sum
set had deepened into the dull. misty
shadows of twilight. 1t was so sweet TO
be assured over and over again how
much she was to him.
Il would give my very life to serve
you. and deem 1t we'll spent" he said
tenderly; and Laurel. looking up into
his handsome face, believed his love and
watchful care the greatest happiness of
her young life, so soon to enter his keep
ing for ever.
Little did either dream, in retracing
their steps. of the terrible moment fast
approaching, which should prove that
devotion.
The pair had descended but a few
steps through the deepening shadows
when a sound that froze the very blood
in their veins fell upon their ears-a low
dull, rumbling sound, followed by Il
grating noise.
Then the great, ponderous wheels,
between which they must pass in the
uncertain light, began slowly to revolve.
gaining in velocity with every revolu-
ton.
My Godr' The words-a prayer,
not scarcely audible. burst from Laurel
Mayne's pale lips.
Then suddenly she remembered, ow-
ing to the press of orders, the night-work
had been resumed.
The great wheels deadened every
sound. Arthur Lennox took in the stu
alton with paling brow. Great beads of
perspiration stood on his forehead. He
dared neither advance nor retreat A
step in any direction might prove fatal
He shrieked aloud in horror for help.
Arthur. Arthur" moaned Laurel,
piteously, but he neither saw nor heard
her.
Another startling discovery had burst
upon him. The great belt which held
the wheels above their heads was slowly
giving way.
At any moment the instrument OF
death might come whirling. crushing
down upon them, 1t could stand the
strain but few moments more.
Lenox saw the white, Mortified gaze Of
a man looking up at them. one who
hsd taken in the full horror of the situa-
ton at a single glance.
In hoarse voice he shouted up above
the din:
ut is madness to attempt to stop the
wheel! The belt is giving way! Hold
Laurel firm, and drop her over the ledge
to- ME. Quick! In Heavens name,
manm
But all thoughts, save of self-preserva-
ton. had fled from the lover of short
time ago. He needed not Clarke Haw-
thorne's shouts, nor the means of the
terror-stricken girl.
One chance of escape lay before him.
Quick as thought he dashed open the
window, balanced himself moment on
the sill. and leaped far out into the wa
ters below, leaving Laurel to the will of
God.
Clarke Hawthorne had witnessed all.
What was life to him, and the woman
he loved in deadly perilP
lightning. beneath the ponderous belt
that swung to and fro. its massive
weight in mid-air above him. On, on
he sped. At last he grasped her swing
ing form.
'.My darling, save me-" moaned the
white lips, as she sank into his arms.
while he leaped from crevice to crevice
in the perilous descent, her words CIV
ing him new courage and strength.
Step by step he sped breathlessly.
Another step and they had gained the
arch beyond. And not moment too
soon.
With a buzzing sound the great belt
parted, and the ponderous wheel, with
the rapidity of lightning, crashed down
upon the spot Laurel had left moment
before.
Papers teemed the next day with news
of the mill Accident. Only three per-
sons knew how near it had been 10 be-
ing chronicled "A Tragedy"
a change had come over Laurel
Mayne after that night.
In that one awful moment she had
! learned TO value the true love OF man
who had risked his life to save hers.
Clarke Hawthorne is her husband
now. and as she smilingly says-a true
! hero.
As for Arthur Lenox. he escaped
more is the pity-quite uninjured. only
too glad to hide himself from the girl to
whom he had proven an ignOble cow
ard.
He could not bear to see his rival
wear the jewel he knew he might have
| won.
Clarke Hawthorne is now a partner
in the same mill; yet he never ceases to
thank the fate that gave him bride,
though to gain her he passed through
the ordeal OF that terrible moment.
Country Landlords in Maine.
A characteristic of the Maine country
| tayern-keener is his talent for maxim